MD-500 vs Prachand

The MD-500 and the Prachand are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Hughes and HAL respectively. Top speed is 282 km/h for the MD-500 vs 280 km/h for the Prachand. The MD-500 has an operational range of 430 km vs 700 km for the Prachand. The Prachand operates at altitudes up to 6,500 m compared to 4,877 m for the MD-500. At 5,800 kg MTOW, the Prachand is 4.3x the MD-500's 1,361 kg. The MD-500 has been produced in 4,700 units vs 19 for the Prachand. Unit cost is $4M for the MD-500 vs $32.6M for the Prachand. The MD-500 first flew 28 years before the Prachand (1982 vs 2010).

American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
Hughes MD-500 Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Hughes
First flight 28 January 1982
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 4700 units
Average unit price $4 million
Indian unmanned aerial vehicle, commissioned in 2021, used for strategic reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition tasks.
HAL Prachand Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇳 India
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer HAL
First flight 29 March 2010
Year introduced 2021
Number produced 19 units
Average unit price $32.6 million
Wingspan 8.3 m â—‰
Height 2.6 m â—‰
Length 9.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 282 km/h â—‰
Operational range 430 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,877 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 1,361 kg â—‰
Empty weight 672 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 313 kW â—‰
Wingspan 13.2 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 15.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 280 km/h â—‰
Operational range 700 km â—‰
Service ceiling 6,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,800 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,250 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,068 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The MD-500 is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the Prachand's 280 km/h, a difference of 2 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The Prachand has a longer range at 700 km compared to the MD-500's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The Prachand has a higher service ceiling at 6,500 meters (21,325 ft) compared to the MD-500's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The Prachand has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,800 kg compared to the MD-500's 1,361 kg.
Which is larger, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The Prachand is longer at 15.8 meters compared to the MD-500's 9.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The Prachand is more expensive at approximately $33 million per unit compared to the MD-500 at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The MD-500 entered service first in 1967, 54 years before the Prachand which entered service in 2021.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MD-500 or Prachand?
The MD-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,700 units compared to 19 units of the Prachand.